The Lab is a space where young people can explore their interest in technology supported by mentors, who provide individual guidance and can collaborate with participants on a technology project.

While its format suits children with Autism/Asperger’s or social anxiety, any child or teenager who needs help socialising or who would like to take their technology skills to a new level is welcome. 

“It provides a sense of belonging people with a social anxiety sometimes don’t have,” Tulgeen Group’s marketing media and events Lisa Miller Bradley said. 

“It’s a really relaxed environment, if you don’t want to talk to anyone you don’t have to.

“But the kids find they make friends along the way.” 

Tulgeen is now hosting The Lab after taking over the service in February. It is a club that has been run all over Australia since 2011. The first in Bega started in 2016. 

“The Lab allows kids to get together to do gaming, graphic design, programming or coding,” Ms Miller Bradley said. 

“We employ tech experts so they love asking them questions.

“We’ve had really good results, once kids start coming they love coming.”

Parents and carers are welcome to stay nearby on premises while their children participate. It is aimed at 10-16 year old kids, but other ages are welcome.  

The Lab can be paid for out of National Disability Insurance Scheme funding if your child has a plan. Otherwise it is $20 per session. 

It runs from 4pm for two hours every Tuesday and can be found in the old youth centre building on Gipps St, Bega, at the corner of the Littleton Gardens car park.

To learn more, contact Tulgeen on 6499 0800.